Monday, 12 February 2018

#saysomething, tell someone, saySTOP.

Sexual assault is a serious problem in British Columbia. According to the General Social Survey on Victimization, there were 70,000 sexual assault incidents in B.C. in 2014. It is estimated that one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime.

Separating myths from facts is a critical step in ending sexual assault. Myths not only downplay the seriousness of sexual assault, but they prevent people from:

• Holding perpetrators – rather than victims – accountable;

• Speaking up when they witness behaviours that could lead to a sexual assault;

• Feeling safe enough to disclose a sexual assault and seek support;

• Believing a victim when they do come forward;

We can’t stop sexual violence if we don’t all speak up and say something. Help to dispel the myths.